Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

An Electroporation Method to Transform Rickettsia spp. with a Fluorescent Protein-Expressing Shuttle Vector in Tick Cell Lines
07:18

An Electroporation Method to Transform Rickettsia spp. with a Fluorescent Protein-Expressing Shuttle Vector in Tick Cell Lines

Published on: October 11, 2022

Rickettsial, ehrlichial and Bartonella infections of the myocardium and pericardium

Sanjiv S Shah1, Joseph P McGowan

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10457, USA. sshah@bronxleb.org

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|November 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Myocarditis and pericarditis are rare complications of rickettsial, ehrlichial, and Bartonella infections. This review covers the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these heart conditions caused by specific bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Myocarditis and pericarditis are uncommon but serious complications of certain bacterial infections.
  • These cardiac inflammatory conditions often arise during acute, disseminated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with rickettsial, ehrlichial, and Bartonella infections.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on these rare but significant infectious complications affecting the heart.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on myocarditis and pericarditis linked to specific bacterial pathogens.
  • Synthesis of information regarding causative agents, clinical presentation, and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Identified causative organisms for myocarditis include Rickettsia rickettsii, R. conorii, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophila, and Bartonella henselae.
  • Pericarditis has been associated with R. conorii and Coxiella burnetii infections.
  • Myocardial inflammation typically occurs in acute disseminated infections.

Conclusions:

  • Infections by Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella species can lead to myocarditis and pericarditis.
  • Understanding the specific pathogens and clinical patterns is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment of these cardiac manifestations.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...